ALBRIGHTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING
Thursday 21st July 2011 at 7.15 pm in the Red House
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 21st July 2011 at 7.15 pm in the Red House.
PRESENT: Cllrs. D Beechey (Chairman), M Pate (Vice Chair), G Beechey, R Blincoe, N Hester,
P Illes, D Johnson, P Lusk, J MacLachlan, J Nelson, S Pate, S Pledger.
Clerk: M Ward.
PUBLIC SESSION:
No members of the public were in attendance.
1. APOLOGIES:
Cllrs. M Holden (on holiday), D Murray (prior appointment).
Each apology was accepted by the Council.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:
Personal:
None.
Prejudicial:
Cllr. D Beechey declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 10.
Cllr. Lusk declared a prejudicial interest in agenda items 4 and 10.
3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
Minutes of Parish Council meeting 16th June 2011:
Cllr. Pledger asked that the comment in agenda item 1 “Each apology was accepted by the Council” be amended and members agreed to substitute “Each apology was agreed retrospectively by the Council”.
With this amendment Cllr. G Beechey proposed that the minutes were a true and accurate record which was seconded by Cllr. Blincoe and agreed by Council.
Minutes of the extraordinary Parish Council meeting 23rd June 2011:
Cllr. M Pate proposed that the minutes were a true and accurate record which was seconded by Cllr. Blincoe and agreed by Council.
Minutes of the Parish Council planning meeting 7th July 2011:
Cllr. MacLachlan proposed that the minutes were a true and accurate record which was seconded by Cllr Illes and agreed by Council.
4. MATTERS ARISING:
The Clerk to write to Severn Trent Water regarding the reinstatement of the area and also to write to Mrs Davies informing her that on 31st October 2011 the Council will take over the use of the land she is present cultivating.
The Clerk informed members about a meeting he had had with Mrs Davies and the implications it could hold for the Council. Cllr. Pledger said that the Council should engage a solicitor to write to Mrs Davies, a suggestion that was supported by Cllr. Nelson. Cllr. G Beechey proposed that Cllr. Nelson and the Clerk should liaise with an appropriate solicitor so that a letter could be sent on behalf of the Council. The proposal was seconded by Cllr. MacLachlan and agreed by Council.
The Clerk had written a letter to Severn Trent Water but no reply had been received at the time of the meeting.
Action: Cllr. Nelson to liaise with the Clerk and arrange for a solicitor to send a letter on behalf of the Council regarding land at the end of Loak Road.
The grants committee to investigate the possibility of a grant of up to £10,000 for “Say Yes” shared between Albrighton, Boningale, Donington and Tong Parish Councils and report back to Council.
Cllr. Lusk withdrew from the meeting for this item.
The Chairman informed Councillors that Donington had agreed to grant £2,000 to the “Say Yes” organisation in £500 quarterly allocations. Cllr. Pledger urged Council to stick with the original agreement which would provide valuable breathing space for those involved. Members noted that Shifnal Town Council had given £250 to the organisation. Cllr. Nelson agreed to talk to Boningale and Tong Parish Councils to assess the scale of their contributions and report back to Council.
Action: the Clerk to place this item on the agenda for the 4th August Parish Council planning meeting for reporting back and further discussion.
Cllr. Lusk returned to the meeting until agenda item 10.
Cllr. D Beechey to contact the Highways Department of Shropshire Council to point out access difficulties to David Austin Roses and discuss possible solutions.
Cllr Beechey informed Council that he had contacted Alice Dilly at Shropshire Council but the county were not in a position to consider any road widening scheme. She did, however, agree to consider restricting access from Bowling Green Lane and introduce weight restriction signs to deter Heavy Goods Vehicles.
Cllr. M Pate suggested that a meeting with representatives of David Austin Roses, Shropshire Council and the MOD to discuss access issues would be helpful.
Action: Cllr. M Pate to contact David Austin Roses, Shropshire Council and the MOD to agree a meeting to discuss access issues to David Austin Roses.
The Clerk to contact Shropshire Council to discuss an application for funding under phase two of the Front Runners Scheme.
The Clerk explained that he had contacted Mr Jake Berriman, Head of Strategic Delivery Shropshire Council and was still waiting for a promised response.
The Clerk to investigate the purchase of a new notice board and report back to Council at the earliest opportunity.
The Clerk had identified a number of commercially made notice boards but had not identified a local craftsman. A number of suggestions were made and it was noted that the notice board containing a map outside the Red House also needed attention as did St. Mary’s Church notice boards. The matter would be decided at the meeting on 4th August 2011.
The Clerk to contact Mr Peter Leigh to ask about a new sign for Patshull Green pond.
The Clerk informed members that contact had been made, two companies had been identified and both had been asked to supply a quotation for the sign.
The Clerk to contact Heartwood and ask them to initiate option 3 of their recent quotation.
The Clerk stated that he had written to Heartwood asking them to proceed with option 3 of their quotation.
The Clerk to write to Mrs Medlyn and ask her to proceed with the catering arrangements for the approbation ceremony on 10th September 2011.
The Clerk confirmed that the letter had been written.
5. PLANNING:
Planning applications:
11/03007/TPO To remove overhanging branches of one Fagus Sylvatica protected by Shropshire Council (Land at and to the west of Church Road, Albrighton) TPO 2010.
No objections were made to this application.
6. POLICE REPORT:
No police officer was available to attend the meeting but the Chairman reported that there had been problems in Grange Park with unlicensed vehicles and the repairing of vehicles in the road and on house drives. There had also been a burglary at Kingswood Nursery. Three police officers had been identified for the approbation parade on 10th September 2011.
Cllr. M Pate informed members that there were proposals to merge West Mercia Police middle management officers with Warwickshire Police and discussions were taking place regarding the possible election of a Police Commissioner.
7. DCAE COSFORD REPORT:
No member of DCAE Cosford was available to report. Cllr. D Beechey commented on the recent reports that DCAE Cosford was to move to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire and the local MP, Mr. Mark Pritchard had described this as “good news”. He said a letter needed to be written to the MOD to ask whether the reports were true, what was the time scale, what is to happen to Cosford, and will there be a gap in the manning of the airbase. He suggested the letter should be written to the Secretary of State and copied to Mark Pritchard MP. Cllr M Pate proposed that such a letter should be written and copied as suggested. The proposal was seconded by Cllr. Johnson and agreed by Council.
Action: The Clerk to liaise with the Chairman and write the letter as instructed.
8. UNITARY AUTHORITY REPORT:
Cllr. Pate reminded members that the county had to cut £76m from its budget over three years with the largest saving to be made in the first year. To date 600 people had left Shirehall and he expected that smaller parishes would be encouraged to merge and take on more responsibilities and the voluntary sector would be asked to do much more.
Cllr. Pledger said she doubted whether 600 people could leave the local authority service without it affecting standards.
9. FINANCE:
Bank reconciliation for the end of the 1st quarter 2011:
The reconciliation had been previously circulated to all members that showed a closing balance of £161,791.18. There were no questions relating to the statement and the reconciliation was received and noted by Council.
Parish Flyer income and expenditure:
The report on the Parish Flyer income and expenditure for the month of June 2011 was received and noted.
Cheques for July 2011 for approval:
A list of 23 cheques for payment was presented for approval. Cllr. M Pate proposed that the cheques should be approved for payment which was seconded by Cllr. G Beechey and agreed by Council.
|
Date |
Cheque No. |
Payee |
Amount |
|
27.06.11 |
2983 |
Npower, parish office electricity bill |
135.37 |
|
27.06.11 |
2984 |
Furrows Ltd., deposit on new Parish Flier |
1,000.00 |
|
28.06.11 |
2985 |
Summer Playscheme, Albrighton contribution |
3,755.00 |
|
29.06.11 |
2986 |
Office cleaner, 4 weeks cleaning to 20th June 2011 |
40.00 |
|
07.07.11 |
2987 |
Ms J Hanson, hanging baskets 2011 |
422.00 |
|
07.07.11 |
2988 |
Tradex insurance, flier insurance 2011/12 |
2995.00 |
|
07.07.11 |
2989 |
John Hicks, playground inspection 2011 |
74.52 |
|
07.07.11 |
2990 |
John Hicks, playground inspection 2010 |
74.52 |
|
07.07.11 |
2991 |
Post Office Ltd., 1st quarter tax & NI |
1195.37 |
|
11.07.11 |
2992 |
Flyer contractor, bus pass refund |
383.00 |
|
|
2993 |
Destroyed |
|
|
21.07.11 |
2994 |
Keith Gibson Cars, Flyer fuel, service, repairs |
465.61 |
|
21.07.11 |
2995 |
Clerk, July salary |
1036.99 |
|
21.07.11 |
2996 |
Village Warden, July salary |
166.77 |
|
21.07.11 |
2997 |
Litter Warden, July salary |
80.00 |
|
21.07.11 |
2998 |
Npower, lighting Ashgrove 01/04-30/06 |
474.35 |
|
21.07.11 |
2999 |
Office cleaner, 4 weeks cleaning to 18th July 2011 |
40.00 |
|
18.07.11 |
3000 |
Flyer contractor, bus pass refund |
336.00 |
|
25.07.11 |
3001 |
Flyer contractor, bus pass refund |
|
|
21.07.11 |
3003 |
Viking, paper, cartridges, files |
160.96 |
|
21.07.11 |
3004 |
Shropshire Council, Clockmills grass cutting |
192.00 |
|
21.07.11 |
3005 |
Smith of Derby, service to millennium pillar clock |
264.00 |
|
21.07.11 |
3006 |
Regis Fire Extinguishers, office extinguishers service |
46.20 |
|
21.07.11 |
3007 |
Cash, petty cash |
100.00 |
10. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE GRANTS COMMITTEE REGARDING RECENT APPLICATIONS:
Cllr. D Beechey left the meeting for the discussion of the grant with regard to the Albrighton and District Civic Society and the meeting was chaired by the Vice Chair, Cllr. M Pate.
Cllr. S Pate, Chair of the Grants Committee, said members recommended a grant of £500 for general funding. Cllr. Pledger said that the Civic Society had received sufficient resourcing from a variety of organisations and that no more should be given. Cllr. M Pate disagreed as did Cllr. Lusk who proposed that the Civic Society should receive £500 for general use and a further £1,000 of match funding at an appropriate time in the future. Cllr. Illes seconded the proposal which was carried by the Council.
Cllr. D Beechey returned to the meeting and the role of Chairman.
Cllr. Lusk left the meeting for the next part of the agenda regarding the application for the organ restoration fund.
A grant application for the organ restoration fund at St. Mary’s Church was considered and Cllr. S Pate proposed that this item should be deferred until the future funding of the “Say Yes” organisation was clarified. Cllr. Illes seconded the proposal which was agreed by Council.
Cllr. Lusk returned for the remainder of the agenda.
The Grants Committee proposed a grant of £1,500 for the Shifnal and Albrighton Live at Home Project but Cllr. Pledger proposed that this should be increased as the charity had not received an award since 2009 and had an increasing involvement in Albrighton. She proposed that an award of £1,800 should be made, subject to a review by the Chairman and the Clerk, which was seconded by Cllr. Lusk and agreed by members.
Cllr. Nelson pointed out to members that the Council had already agreed grants considerably in excess of its budget allocation and more rigour was needed in the way that grants were awarded. Cllr. Hester proposed that the Chair and the Clerk should look at the whole grant giving process and check it for legality and fairness. This should include section 137 grants. The proposal was seconded by Cllr. Pledger and carried by the Council.
Action: the Clerk to write to all applicants to inform them of Council decisions and arrange for cheques to be drawn up where appropriate. The Chairman and the Clerk to review grant application procedures including section 137 grants.
11. DRAFT RESPONSE TO SHROPSHIRE COUNCIL’S PRELIMINARY FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT OF MAY 2011:
Councillors considered the draft letter from Mr R Kidson regarding Shropshire Council’s preliminary flood risk assessment asking whether the recent flood prevention measures of 2008-10 had been included in the assessment. Cllr. Lusk moved that the letter be sent on behalf of the Council which was seconded by Cllr. M Pate and agreed by Council.
Action: the Clerk to send the letter from Mr. R Kidson to Shropshire Council on behalf of the Parish Council.
12. REPORT BACK ON THE CONFERENCE ON LOCALISM HELD ON 29TH JUNE 2011:
The report, which had been previously circulated to all members, was received and noted
13. REVISION OF THE ALBRIGHTON AND DONINGTON PARISH PLAN:
The Chairman agreed to contact the other members of the working party and establish a date for the initial meeting.
14. OPENING OF THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FOR DECEMBER 2011:
The Clerk reported that he had written to Mrs Sarah Williams asking for the date of the official switch on and whether it was still in order to hang lights from the Red House facade. Cllr. Johnson said that he had asked David Austin to switch on the lights this year and had approached Mr Gwilt to provide a pig roast. He suggested that the lights should be switched on at 4.30 pm to avoid a hiatus between the end of the Victorian Fayre and the switching on of the lights. Cllr. S Pate promised to take the matter back to the Victorian Fayre organisers whose event was scheduled for 4th December.
Council agreed to delegate that planning details to Cllr. Johnson.
15. UPDATE ON THE PURCHASE OF A NEW PARISH FLYER IN AUGUST 2011:
The written update circulated to members was noted. Council endorsed the suggestion that the lettering on the new Flyer should read “Albrighton Flyer”. An official launch of the new vehicle was being organised for early August with a range of guests taking part.
16. REPORT ON SHROPSHIRE COUNCIL DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS, CODE OF PRACTICE FOR TOWN AND PARISH COUNCILS:
The Chairman reported that all new developments would be obliged to make a contribution to the Levy from 2012 onwards to assist with affordable housing. Shropshire Council would retain 10% for strategic priorities but the remaining contributions would be available to be spent locally under one of two priority categories.
17. PROPOSED CLOSURE OF LLOYDS TSB BANK IN THE HIGH STREET, ALBRIGHTON:
The Chairman explained that the bank was to close and would be sold to another banking provider who was expected to begin the new service in January 2014. Virgin, Marks and Spencer’s, the Coop and an Australian bank were all believed to be strong contenders with regard to the purchase of the facility. Cllr. M Pate said that he had been in touch with senior management of Lloyds and there was no possibility that this decision would be reversed. He was awaiting an email which would provide extra details. Cllr. MacLachlan pointed out that many people were concerned because changing a bank account was a laborious and complicated business. Members agreed to postpone any bulletin in the Parish Magazine until Cllr. Pate had received information from Lloyds TSB bank.
18. DISCUSSION OF AN ALTERNATIVE WEBSITE TO THE SITE PROPOSED BY SHROPSHIRE TOURISM:
A meeting had taken place between Cllr. D Beechey, Cllr. M Pate and Mr Warwick Fletcher. Mr Fletcher felt that he could produce a better website than the model proposed by Shropshire Tourism but no information had been provided since the meeting. He had proposed a site that would have three centres built around the Albrighton Traders, tourism and civic affairs.
Cllr. MacLachlan said that the Council should not drop an earlier decision, particularly when no specification had been drawn up and Cllr. Lusk agreed and suggested that perhaps two sites might operate, one devoted to Shropshire and one to Albrighton.
Cllr. M Pate suggested that the Council should write to Mr Fletcher and give him a deadline in which to respond with further details which should be considered by the Tourism Committee who would make a decision on behalf of the Council. Members agreed to this suggestion.
Action: the Clerk to write to Mr Fletcher giving him a deadline for the provision of details of a combined website as previously described.
19. CORRESPONDENCE:
For information only:
· ALC training opportunities:
Received and noted. Cllrs. Blincoe, Lusk and Pledger asked to be signed up for the training on Roles and Responsibilities.
· Shropshire Council – Polling districts and polling places review:
Received and noted.
· Shropshire Council – Consultation on the future role of adult social care:
Received and noted.
· Shropshire Council – Tree Preservation Order 2011 land adjacent to St. Cuthbert’s Church, Rectory Road, Albrighton:
Received and noted.
· Severn Trent Water – Notice of proposal to adopt private sewers and lateral drains:
Received and noted.
For action:
· Shropshire Council – suggestions for a deep cleaning initiative in Albrighton on 10th August 2011:
Members suggested a number of areas which would benefit from a deep clean to include the area round the Old Fire Station, the area outside the Red House and the pedestrian way beside the Bush public house. Members also noted that the sign in High House Lane had been damaged by grass cutting equipment and the sign warning of a new roundabout in the High Street outside the Harp public house was facing the wrong way.
Action: the Clerk to inform the county with regard to these suggestions for the deep cleaning initiative on 10th August 2011.
20. DATES AND TIMES OF FUTURE MEETINGS:
· Parish Council planning meeting Thursday 4th August 2011 at 7.15 pm in the Red House.
· Parish Council planning meeting Thursday 1st September 2011 at 7.15 pm in the Red House.
Cllr Hester asked that an item on the parking at the junction of Shaw Lane and Station Road be placed on the agenda for 4th August 2011.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.27 pm.
Signed...........................................................................Date......................................................
Chairman